Saturday, March 29, 2008

Keells Super opens at Marine Drive

Probably the only outlet by the sea with a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean, Keells Super opens it’s 33rd outlet at No. 33, Upatissa Mw, Colombo 04 on Saturday 29th March 2008.

Situated 200 meters from the old passport office, the outlet carries a wide range of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood along with regular groceries and household items.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Think, Believe, Dream and Dare....


An eight-year-old boy approached an old man in front of a wishing well, looked up into his eyes, and asked:

"I understand you're a very wise man. I'd like to know the secret of life."

The old man looked down at the youngster and replied: "I've thought a lot in my lifetime, and the secret can be summed up in four words:

The first is Think... Think about the values you wish to live your life by.

The second is Believe... Believe in yourself based on the thinking you've done about the values you're going to live your life by.

The third is Dream... Dream about the things that can be, based on your belief in yourself and the values you're going to live by.

The last is Dare... Dare to make your dreams become reality, based on your belief in yourself and your values.



And with that, Walter E. Disney said to the little boy, "Think, Believe, Dream and Dare."

Posted by Chinyu DeSilva.......


A lighter view into above.......

If life is a waste of time, and time is a waste of life, then let's all get wasted and have the time of our lives.

Saudi grants Rs 2.5 bn to health sector

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia agreed to provide a soft loan of Saudi Riyal 75 million (Rs 2.2 billion) for the construction of an Epilepsy Hospital and a supplementary loan of Saudi Riyal 11 million (Rs 320 million ) for the construction of a Neuro-Trauma Centre at the Colombo General Hospital. The two loans will be provided through the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).

The new Epilepsy Hospital will be a specialised facility for epilepsy patients with a capacity of 242 beds and facilities required for intensive care and inpatient care treatment. The project includes the construction of a new seven storied building with a total floor area of 15,000 sq.m within the premises of the Colombo National Hospital and the provision of medical equipment, including MRI and CT Scanners and X-Ray machines.

The hospital consists of operation theatres, intensive care units, high dependency unit, male and female post-operative wards, a pediatric ward, and a neuro-surgical unit. At present there are no such facilities to care for epilepsy patients.

In 2002, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided a loan of Saudi Riyal 45 million (Rs 1.1 billion) for the construction of the Neuro -Trauma Centre at the Colombo General Hospital and the construction of the building is nearly completed. The proposed supplementary loan (Rs 320 million) will finance the procurement of equipment which are required for the centre.

To date, the total amount of loans extended by the Saudi Fund for Development to Sri Lanka amounts to Saudi Riyal 404 million, equivalent to approximately US$ 108 million. Further, a number of new projects are under consideration for financing by the Saudi Fund.

The Saudi Fund assures its continued support for the development programme of Sri Lanka.

The Agreements for the two loans were signed at the Ministry of Finance and Planning by Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and H.E. Eng.Yousef Al Bassam, Vice Chairman, Saudi Fund for Development on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

SriLankan Airlines set to fly on “SmiLes”

A top official of the national carrier SriLankan Airlines said yesterday that there will not be a major change in the airline’s operations though the management would change from March 31 when the contract with Emirates would end.

In short, it indicated that Lankans are capable of running the national carrier - SriLankan Airlines

SriLankan Airlines Head of Worldwide Passenger Sales Manoj Gunawardena who talked to journalists at the launch of the airlines frequent flyer programme ‘SmiLes’ yesterday said the operations of airline would be the same though there would be a new owner and a new board of Directors.

Gunawardena said some routes would be scrutinized while more routes would be increased where possible. He said pulling out of Zurich and other destinations had nothing do with the lapsing of the contract as it was done long before the contract came to an end.

Commenting on the future of the airline without Emirates he said Sri Lankans are capable of handling the airline well. “I am sure Emirates too held the same opinion as it wouldn’t have opted out if it thought Lankans aren’t capable,” he pointed out.

With regard to the present situation where pilots and others have started to leave the company he said the Head of Human Resources would handle the matter.

SriLankan announced the launch of ‘SmiLes’ commencing April 1 2008, its new frequent flyer program which promises a wide range of exciting rewards for passengers of Sri Lanka’s award-winning National Carrier.

The airlines previous frequent flyer program Skywards ends on March 31, as SriLankan’s management changes hands.

“SmiLes will be positioned as ‘the Frequent Flyer Programme that Rewards and Delights.’ It will open the door to a world of rewards for our passengers.” Mr. Gunawardene said commenting on the new frequent flyer programme.

Mr. Gunawardena added: “SmiLes will be introducing a number of partner airlines and other companies which will offer members a choice to both earn and burn miles for a variety of goods and services. These will range from hotel stays to bank services, retailers, and especially SriLankan Holidays - the airline’s leisure arm,” he added.

“SriLarikan’s smiling airline staff, both in the air and on the ground, have given the airline a global reputation for Warmth, Caring and friendliness,”. Hence the name SmiLes,” said Mr. Gunawardena.

SmiLes will have three tiers of membership — Gold, Silver, and Blue — according to how many miles are accrued. Every mile flown would be credited to his or her SmiLes account as one mile.

All members can exchange their miles for rewards such as free air tickets to in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Far East; and upgrades. They also have a wide range of other benefits such as pie-assigned seating and priority wait-listing.

Gold and Silver members are entitled to even more exciting benefits. These include the use of the airline’s lounge at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, priority check-in, free excess baggage (up to 12 kg for Silver and 16 kg for Gold), priority baggage delivery, family bonus, and fast track facility (for Gold members).

Silver membership is for those who earn over 25,000 miles or fly a minimum of 20 sectors within a calendar year. Gold membership is for those with more than 50,000 miles or 40 sectors within a calendar year.

A passenger will be able to become a member of smiles by filling out a form which would be available at SriLankan ticket offices here and overseas, Bandaranaike International Airport, on board flights or at SmiLes Service Center at World Trade Center Colombo.

The Existing Skywards members will have a choice of transferring their Skywards Miles to SmiLes in full or part.

Article Courtesy : Yohan Perera

Bush says 4,000 US deaths in Iraq will 'merit the sacrifice'

WASHINGTON (AP) - Marking a grim milestone, a determined President George W. Bush says the lives of 4,000 U.S. military men and women who have died in Iraq "were not lost in vain." The White House made clear that additional American troops will not be pulled out of the war soon.

A roadside bomb in Baghdad killed four U.S. soldiers Sunday night, which pushed the death toll to 4,000.

That number pales compared with the number of Iraqi casualties or American dead of other lengthy U.S. wars. It is much higher than many Americans, including Bush, ever expected after the swift U.S. invasion of Iraq five years ago.

Bush proclaimed the end of major combat operations in Iraq in May 2003. Almost all the U.S. deaths there have happened since then.

"One day people will look back at this moment in history and say, 'Thank God there were courageous people willing to serve, because they laid the foundations for peace for generations to come,"' Bush said after a State Department briefing about long-term diplomacy efforts.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Trade deficit doubles to US$ 611mn

The Central Bank said that the trade deficit increased to US$ 611 million in January 2008 which is a year-on-year increase of 104.6 percent as a result of the significant increase in the expenditure on imports.

Total exports in January 2008 amounted to US dollars 565 million compared to US dollars 489.5 million in January 2007.

The bank said that total expenditure on imports amounted to US dollars 1,176 million in January 2008, compared to US dollars 788 million in January 2007.

Exports increased by 15.4 per cent, year-on-year, in January 2008 along with a 41 per cent growth in Agricultural exports while tea exports, which were adversely affected by reduced production owing to labour unrest in January 2007, made a significant contribution of 38 per cent to the growth in total exports in January 2008, as a result of both the volume of export and the export price of tea increasing further, on a year-on-year basis, the Central Bank said.

"Tea fetched a monthly average export price of US dollars 3.83 a kilogram in January 2008; the highest recorded at that time," the bank said.

" The export price of rubber also increased further in January 2008, resulting in a monthly average price of US dollars 2.70 a kilogram. The growth in the volume of rubber exports during this period could be partly attributed to this increase in the export price of rubber.

"Industrial exports accounted for about 28 per cent of the growth in total exports in January 2008, with exports of garments and textiles expanding further by around 4 per cent. Amongst other key categories of industrial exports, rubber products and diamonds and jewellery recorded significant growth, but exports of machinery and equipment and food, beverages and tobacco contracted. The Central Bank said that expenditure on imports increased by 49.2 per cent in January 2008.

"The rise in petroleum prices as reflected in the monthly average import price of petroleum, which rose to US dollars 92.7 a barrel in January 2008; the highest recorded up to then, impacted on import expenditure, the increase in expenditure on imports is partly a reflection of the fact that there were no imports of crude oil in January 2007.

"Non-oil imports increased at a relatively lower rate of 19.1 per cent in January 2008.

"With respect to consumer goods imports, which grew by 38 per cent, year-on-year, in January 2008, price increases were recorded in relation to several key categories of food items such as rice and wheat. A further significant increase in the volume of imports was recorded in respect of rice, year-on-year. Hence, the value of rice imports increased significantly in January 2008, driven by increases in both the volume and the import price.

" Expenditure on imports of sugar increased due to increased volumes of imports. Imports of other consumer goods such as medical and pharmaceutical products and motor cars and cycles also increased in January 2008, contributing to the increase in total expenditure on imports."

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Definition of Politics

Son: Dad, I have a special report for school. Can I ask you a question?
Dad: Sure son, what's the question ?

Son: What is politics ?

Dad: Well son, let's take are home for an example. I am the wage earner, so let's call me, the management. Your mother is the administrator of the money, so let's call her, the government. We take care of you and your needs, so let's call you, the people. We'll call the maid, the working class and your baby brother, the future. Understand ?

Son: I'm not really sure dad, I'll have to think about it.

That night, the boy is awakened by his baby brother's crying, so he went to see what was wrong. Discovering that the baby had a heavily soiled diaper, the boy went to his parent's room and found his mother fast asleep. He went to the maid's room, where, peeking through the keyhole, he saw his father in bed with the maid. The boy's knocking was totally unheard. The boy went back to his room and went to sleep. The next morning....

Son: Dad, I think I understand politics.

Dad: That's great son, explain it to me in your own words.

Son: While the management is screwing the working class, the government is fast asleep, the people are being completely ignored and the future is full of shit.


For those who do not want a long drawn out explanation...

Politics = Poly + Ticks.............In other words;

Poly = Many
Tic(k)s = Blood sucking creatures




Getting to the top

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been to those meetings where someone wants over 100%.

How about achieving 103%? Here's a little math that might prove helpful.

What is this success formula that makes one achieve 100%?

If

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z is represented

as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then,

H A R D W O R K
8 1 18 4 23 15 18 11 = 98%

K N O W L E D G E
11 14 15 23 12 5 4 7 5 = 96%

But,

A T T I T U D E
1 20 20 9 20 21 4 5 = 100%

And,

B U L L S H I T
2 21 12 12 19 8 9 20 = 103%

So, it stands to reason that hardwork and knowledge will get you close, attitude will get you there, but bullshit will put you over the top.

And look how far .........

A S S K I S S I N G
1 19 19 11 9 19 19 9 14 7 = 118%

will take you.

This is somthing to be made note for those smooth talkers.....


Now as an afterthought....... this is mainly for those graduating......


A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, "but I haven't got the energy."

"Well, why don't you nibble on some of my droppings?" replied the bull. "They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave him enough strength to reach the first branch of the tree.

The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fortnight, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree.

Soon he was promptly spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.


Moral of the story:
Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.....

Friday, March 21, 2008

Holey Cow !

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.

He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.

He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target.

Getting A little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma’s pet duck.

Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck Square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.” But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.” Then she whispered to him, “ Remember the duck?” So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go Fishing and Grandma said, “I’m sorry but I need Sally to help make Supper.” Sally just smiled and said,” Well that’s all right because Johnny told me that he wanted to help.” She whispered again, remember the duck? “So Sally Went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally’s, He finally couldn’t stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, “Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I Love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you. “

Thought for the day and every day thereafter?

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done...? And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) ...whatever it is....You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing..... He has seen your whole life.

He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.

He’s just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God’s grace and Mercy that we are saved.

God is at the window

Now, it ain't fair without giving the Devil his due.......

So, just as an afterthought……and why is that the.Hot Stuff has all the fun….. read on....

One beautiful Sunday morning the tiny town of Smithsvale wakes up and goes to church. Before the service starts most of the congregation have seated themselves. They're all chattering with their neighbours when -Shazam - Satan himself appears at the altar in flames.

Naturally, the townspeople erupt in chaos, with people fleeing the church, left, right and center...except for Bill.
Now Santana seems confused. He walks up to Bill and says, "Don't you know who I am?".

Bill replies, "Aye, I do".

Bewildered, Satan asks, "So, you aren't afraid of me then?".

"No I'm not." replies Bill calmly.

By now, Satan's melon is twisted beyond all recognition, Why the hell not ? enquires Hot Stuff ..... to which Bill replies, "Because I've been married to your sister for 25 years. !!!

Now following this with another afterthought... only then it would do justice to above !

Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Bill Gates all died in a plane crash and went to meet their maker.

The supreme deity turned to Al and asked, tell what is important about yourself. Al responded that he felt that the earth was the ultimate importance and that protecting the earth's ecological system was most important. God looked to Al and said, " I like the way you think, come and sit at my left hand".

God then asked Bill Clinton what he revered most. Bill Clinton responded that he felt people and their personal choices were most important. God responded, " I like the way you think, come and sit at my right hand".

God then turned to Bill Gates, who was staring at him indignantly. God asked "What is your problem Bill Gates?"

Bill Gates responded " I think you are sitting in my chair".

Well......well......

Lanka, India power transfer project feasibility report soon

The feasibility study for the proposed US $ 450 million mega undersea power transmission link between India and Sri Lanka is slated to be ready shortly.

Sources said the 200 kilometer long submarine cable would enable India to export electricity to Sri Lanka and is likely to be set up with a capacity to wheel around 1,000 MW of electricity.

The report on the high voltage direct current link between the two countries is being prepared by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), which had earlier estimated that it can set up the link in around 40 months once all clearances are in place. The link is likely to connect Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Anuradhapura.

While a joint steering committee has been set up to oversee the project, a task force comprising representatives of Union Power Ministry, central electricity authority and PGCIL on the Indian side and the Sri Lankan Energy Ministry and Ceylon Electricity Board has been firmed up to study the feasibility report and make recommendations to the committee.

Officials said that Indian utilities could get higher tariffs from electricity supplies to the country. Initially, surplus power would be transmitted from India to Sri Lanka using the link. They added that with NTPC, already working on a 500 MW coal fired plant in Sri Lanka, wheeling power from Sri Lanka to India could also be a possibility over the long term.

India currently has transmission links with only Bhutan, as part of the 1,040 MW Tala hydroelectric power evacuation systems.

The proposal to link up countries in the South Asian region is being seen as a forerunner to the proposed Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical & Economic Cooperation power transmission network, which is under consideration.

John Keells awards scholarships to Moratuwa undergraduates

John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation launched a scheme to grant scholarships to students reading for an Honours degree of Bachelor of Science in Transport and Logistics Management (BSc (T&LM) Hons.) at a ceremony held recently at the Cinnamon Grand.

John Keells Holdings PLC, Romesh David, President, Transportation and IT Groups, commented, "JKH is delighted to have found a partner as responsive and proactive as we are in the University of Moratuwa.

In addition to fully sponsoring both the English language programme and the mentoring programme for all first year under graduates, JKH have undertaken to award scholarships to students in all four years of the degree program.

For students in the first year we offer up to 5 scholarships based on economic need. In the second, third and fourth years we award in each year 7 scholarships to the students based on academic excellence and involvement in extra curricular activities.

When all four batches are in place this will amount to a total of 26 scholarships a year! Additionally, we have made a commitment to place at least 5 students from each graduating batch in a John Keells Group company."

The inaugural awards ceremony for the John Keells Holdings English Language Programme for the undergraduates was also held at this event.

Fifty students came forward to receive their awards at a ceremony that recognised their value and marked a stepping-stone towards their lives as world-class professionals in their chosen industry.

The English language programme that had served to enhance their capabilities had been arranged and implemented by the Transportation Group of John Keells Holdings PLC, through the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Malik Ranasinghe, Vice Chancellor, University of Moratuwa, said, "I am extremely impressed by the commitment show by John Keells Holdings towards the Transport and Logistics Management degree programme."

The 4-year, undergraduate honours degree programme in Transport and Logistics Management (BSc (T&LM) Hons) at the University of Moratuwa was commenced in 2006.

The programme of study was designed to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to equip undergraduate students to face the modern day challenges of a career in management with specialisation in the fields of Aviation, Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain Management or Public Transport.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Arthur C. Clarke, 90, Science Fiction Writer, Dies

Arthur C. Clarke, a writer whose seamless blend of scientific expertise and poetic imagination helped usher in the space age, died early Wednesday in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he had lived since 1956. He was 90.

Rohan de Silva, an aide, confirmed the death and said Mr. Clarke had been experiencing breathing problems, The Associated Press reported. He had suffered from post-polio syndrome for the last two decades.

The author of almost 100 books, Mr. Clarke was an ardent promoter of the idea that humanity’s destiny lay beyond the confines of Earth. It was a vision served most vividly by “2001: A Space Odyssey,” the classic 1968 science-fiction film he created with the director Stanley Kubrick and the novel of the same title that he wrote as part of the project.

His work was also prophetic: his detailed forecast of telecommunications satellites in 1945 came more than a decade before the first orbital rocket flight.

At the time of his death he was working on another novel, “The Last Theorem,” Agence France-Presse reported......

One of his closest relationships was with Leslie Ekanayake, a fellow diver in Sri Lanka, who died in a motorcycle accident in 1977. Mr. Clarke shared his home in Colombo with his friend’s brother, Hector, his partner in the diving business; Hector’s wife, Valerie; and their three daughters.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Anura Bandaranaike, MP passes away

Anura Bandaranaike, MP, yesterday passed away at his official residence Visumpaya, after a prolonged illness.

The only son of two Prime Ministers, S.W.R.D and Sirimavo, Anura, a fiery orator in both Sinhala and English, first entered Parliament in 1977 as the second MP for Nuwara Eliya-Maskeliya by polling 48,778 votes. He came second to Gamini Dissanayake, who polled 65,903 votes while CWC leader S. Thondaman came a distant third with 35,743 votes.

During his political career, Anura switched sides on several occasions and held the post of the Speaker during Ranil Wickremesinghe’s two-year tenure as the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He held Higher Education portfolio during President D.B. Wijetunga’s administration.

During Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s presidency, Anura held two ministries namely Investment Promotion, Enterprise Development and Industries and Tourism. He was rewarded with the Foreign Affairs portfolio during the tail end of the Kumaratunga’s administration. He once entered Parliament on the National List.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed him Tourism Minister and subsequent to the last Cabinet reshuffle, he was given the Ministry of National Heritage. Mr. Bandaranaike quit the ministry in the run up to his last crossover on December 19th. Although he planned to return to the ministry after meeting President Rajapaksa, his illness prevented him from doing so.

Born on February 15th, 1949, Anura was educated at the Royal College, Colombo (1956-66). From there he entered the University of London (1970-73) and obtained his BA.

Before contesting the multi-member Nuwara Eliya District at the 1977 General Elections, Anura had held several important positions in the party. Since entering the House in 1977 he had never lost an election though he abandoned Nuwara Eliya and set up base in the Gampaha District. At the last general election, he polled a staggering 198,444 votes and was placed second behind JVP’s Vijitha Herath.

In November, 1983, at the age of 34 he was elected the Opposition Leader. Anura held a rare record that of sitting in the same parliament with his mother who held the premiership twice (1960-65 and 1970-77) during her illustrious career.

Anura switched allegiance to the UNP when he last attended Parliament on December 19 last year at the third reading of the Budget. Subsequently, he pledged his loyalty to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, when the latter called on him at Visumpaya but poor health prevented him from returning to Parliament.


Sarana Gunawardene who polled 52,288 at the last General Election will fill the vacancy created by the death of the Gampaha District MP Anura Bandaranaike. Gunawardene (SLFP) contested on the UPFA ticket.

Army seizes control of public SLRC television

Reporters Without Borders today called for an explanation from President Mahinda Rajapakse after the army took control yesterday of public Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) television.

The army and police sealed off all roads leading to the station in the morning, preventing more than 200 staff from getting to work, a BBC correspondent reported, after employees threatened to strike in protest against a series of assaults by men "suspected of acting on behalf of a minister".

"The head of state should immediately order the army to withdraw from the station. This is in no way a good solution for ending escalating violence against SLRC staff since December 2007", the worldwide press freedom organisation said.

"We urge the president to sanction the minister, Mervyn Silva, who is behind the violence which provoked this crisis." The takeover of the television station caused disruption to most programmes and in the aftermath the information ministry announced
"compulsory vacations" for all staff.

The corporation' s union representatives said that the authorities had decided to take control of the SLRC, in response to the strike threat. One union representative, Kanchana Marasinghe, said that many journalists feared for their lives and wanted the brutality brought to an end.

At least five staff have been physically assaulted in the past few weeks, some of them suffering serious knife wounds. All of them had protested at the actions of the labour minister, Mervyn Silva, who led a raid on the studios and assaulted the SLRC's news director on 27 December 2007.

The controversial minister's henchmen are suspected of being behind all the attacks on staff, in the latest of which, assistant director of supplies, Arunasiri Hettige, was beaten with iron bars in Colombo on 14 March.

Representatives of the corporation met the head of state on 17 March to discuss steps needed to protect staff. They called for the resignation of Mervyn Silva and for payment of compensation to the injured journalists. During the meeting, the head of state called on the minister to end the violence.

Elsewhere, the homes in Colombo of two well-known journalists, Sunethra Athugalpura of the newspaper Lakbima and Sashi Kumara of Sirasa TV, were burgled and ransacked in mysterious circumstances, on 16 March. Sunethra Athugalpura had recently interviewed Mervyn Silva.


Journalist's family attacked

The Free Media Movement (FMM)expresses it series concern over the attack on the family of a Tamil female journalist on 14th March 2008. The family of Maunasmi Parameshwari, herself a repeated victim of false accusations and lengthy detention by the Police on unfounded and unproven allegations, was attached by a mob that claimed they were supporters of the LTTE. Parameshwari's father and sister were seriously injured in the attack.

The mob had encircled the house and prevented those who were injured from seeking or gaining access to medical help. They also threatened to burn Paramashwari alive if she ever returned to Gampola. The Gampola Police had eventually rescued the family members. This is the not the first time that a gang of thugs had threatened Parameshwari and her family.

The FMM condemns this dastardly act and demands that the Police produce the gang members in court of law without any delay. We fear this incident could be a precedent for unruly anti-media groups to hunt down independent journalists labeled as traitors by various political groups and government authorities.

FMM holds the Government directly accountable for any harm inflicted to the family of Parameshwaree, Parameshwaree herself and courageous investigative journalists like her. Journalists who write critically of Government policies, its significant and growing corruption, the flagrant abuse of power and the complete impunity with which
Government MPs harass and physically attack media personnel live today in fear of their lives. The latest terror tactic by gangs close to sections of the Government and inflamed by the naming and shaming of journalists as traitors and supports of the LTTE clearly undermines media freedom and the freedom of expression.

Governance through terror and fear is the Government's forte today. It is the responsibility of all democratic forces to support journalists to ensure the restoration of democratic governance, the rule of law and through them, media freedom in Sri Lanka.

Back ground:

Parameshwari was arrested in November 2006 by the Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) of Police and kept in custody for 100 days before releasing her in March 2007 without any charges. As we note in the FMM Press Release on the occasion of Parameshwaree's release from Police custody on 22nd March 2007,

"…the day after she was arrested, three Sinhala newspapers carried headline stories stating that as a result of the statements to the Police by her female friend, who was arrested with along with her, they were able to recovered 10kg of high explosives and 10 claymore mines. It was later discovered that this story was entirely fabricated and planted in the media. Even worse, several Government ministers went on record saying that she was being held in custody because of her connection with terrorists.

We note with deep regret that because of these baseless public allegations the family and friends of Parameshwaree will invariably continue to face a great deal of public opprobrium and ridicule, especially in a context where, as the FMM has noted with deep concern in the recent past, Members of Parliament and other ultra-nationalist groups opposed to the peace process brand pro-peace and media rights activists as those who support terrorism and should be, accordingly,
silenced even through extra-judicial means."

The Mawbima newspaper, where she worked as a crime reporter was forced to close down because of outlandishly repressive measures taken by the Government against the newspaper company including the arrest of its owner and financial manger as well as the freezing of its assets.

Incredibly, even after her release, Paramashwari received a number of threats and was kidnapped on 24th April 2007. She was forced into a van, her hands tied and then assaulted by several men in uniform who threatened her with death if she continued with crime reporting, investigations into the abductions or even worked in the media. After this incident she was constantly followed by security personnel in both uniform and in civilian clothing. On 14th June 2007, two persons posing as CID officials took away her Passport and National ID at gun point. Recently plainclothes policemen has visited the vicinity of her boarding place in Colombo and warned them not to rent any rooms for her.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Laugh A While

Some jokes to give you some insight into Sri Lankan culture and humor.

Udurawana's Getting Married
Udurawana's Girl Friend: "I'm one year elder than you....will it be effected badly to our marriage?"
Udurawana: "No, not at all. We'll marry next year."

Hidden Cameras
Mrs. Udurawana caught Udurawana searching high and low all around his living room.
Mrs. Udurawana: "What are you searching for?"
Mr. Udurawana: "Hidden cameras!"
Mrs. Udurawana: "And what makes you think that there are hidden cameras here?"
Mr. Udurawana: "That guy on TV knows exactly what I am doing. Every few minutes he keeps saying, 'You are watching Rupavahini channel'. How does he know that?"

Relaxing
Udurawana was enjoying the sun at the beach in America. A lady came and asked him, "Are you relaxing?"
Udurawana answered, "No, I am Udurawana."
Another guy came and asked him the same question.
Udurawana answered, "No! No! Me Udurawana!"
A third one came and asked him the same question again.
Udurawana was totally annoyed and decided to shift his place.
While walking he saw another Sri Lankan soaking in the sun.
He went up to him and asked, "Are you Relaxing?"
The other man was a lot more educated and answered, "Yes, I am relaxing."
Udurawana slapped him on his face and said, "Stupid idiot. Everyone is looking for you and you are sitting over here!"

The Wash Basin
Udurawana goes to a hotel in Colombo and stuffs himself. After eating he goes to wash his hands but starts washing the basin instead.
The manager comes running and asks him, "Sir, what are you doing?"
Udurawana replies, "Read this board here, it says 'Wash Basin.'"

English Exam
Udurawana finished his English exam and came out. His friends asked him how he did on his exam. He replied "Exam was okay, but for the past tense of THINK, I thought, thought and thought, at last I wrote THUNK!!!"

Answer the Following Questions in Brief
Udurawana is appearing for his University final examination. He takes his seat in the examination hall, stares at the question paper for five minutes, and then in a fit of inspiration takes his shoes off and throws them out of the window. He then removes his shirt and throws it away as well, followed by his pants, socks and watch.
The invigilator, alarmed, approaches him and asks what is going on.
"I am only following the instructions here," he says, "it says here, 'Answer the following questions in brief.'"

Essay
The English teacher told all the students in the class to write an essay on a cricket match. All were busy writing except Udurawana. He has written. "DUE TO RAIN, NO MATCH!!!"

The Postman
Postman: "I have to come 5 miles to deliver you this parcel."
Udurawana: "Why did you come so far? Instead you could have posted it."

Coffee Shop
Udurawana and his wife went to a coffee shop.
Udurawana said, "Hurry up! Drink quickly!"
His Wife asked, "Why?"
Udurawana said, "Hot Coffee Rs. 5 and Cold Coffee Rs 10!"

Letter to his Son
Udurawana was writing something very slowly.
A friend came and asked: "Why are you writing so slowly?"
Udurawana replies, "I'm writing to my 6 years old son. He can't read very fast."

How I Look When I'm Sleeping
Udurawana was standing in front of the mirror with his eyes closed.
His wife sees this and asks: "What you are doing?"
Udurawana replies, "I'm seeing how I look while I'm sleeping!"

Thought For The Day - Dental Care Sign


Sponsored Advert




Saturday, March 15, 2008

The Tea Factory at Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka



For those interested in Ceylon Teas, The Tea Factory at Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka is a must visit

It is an unique 4 star hotel, 4 deluxe rooms, 57 standard rooms; surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya is the perfect getaway from Sri Lanka’s tropical heat.

Nuwara Eliya enjoys spring like weather throughout the year. A favourite retreat of the British during colonial times, Nuwara Eliya is dotted with English country style houses and sprawling gardens, earning it the name Little England. Stop by the well-maintained Central Park, which is awash with flowers between March and May. Make time for an evening stroll on the numerous walking paths around Gregory’s Lake, which is located just south of the town.

More details available at..... http://barefoot-srilanka.barefoot-luxury.com/

For more info on Tea, please visit http://www.teachat.com/


Stripped Teas or Equal Exchange Small-Grower Teas

Recently, Stripped Teas or Equal Exchange Small-Grower Teas have become very popular

In a world of big business, it’s nice to see the little guy get some credit as well.
.
Enter Equal Exchange small-grower teas. Instead of sourcing from the industry-standard plantations, the West Bridgewater-based tea and coffee company is gathering specialty organic teas from small-scale, fair trade-certified tea growers.

It falls in line with fair trade coffee practices, giving tea farm co-ops in South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Northern India more bargaining power and a bigger piece of the pot. And since their teas are handpicked, they can offer special blends like Darjeeling First Flush and Second Flush (which come from either the first or second harvest). There’s also Ceylon Green Tea and Ceylon High Grown Black.

Each loose-leaf tea arrives in a reusable silver tin.

Which you can use time and again to really stick it to the man.

Some bag... and sublimnal advertising



Talk about sublimnal advertising !!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Reason why never visit a 5 Star Hotel !!

Question : "What would you like to have .Fruit juice, Soda, Tea, Chocolate, Milo, or Coffee?"
Answer : "tea please"

Question : " Ceylon tea, Herbal tea, Bush tea, Honey bush tea, Ice tea or green tea ?"
Answer : "Ceylon tea "

Question : "How would you like it ? black or white ?"
Answer : "white"

Question : "Milk, Whitener, or Condensed milk ?"
Answer: "With milk "

Question : "Goat milk, Camel milk or cow milk"
Answer : "With cow milk please.

Question : " Milk from Freeze land cow or Afrikaner cow?"
Answer : " Um, I'll take it black. "

Question : " Would you like it with sweetener, sugar or honey?"
Answer : "With sugar"

Question : " Beet sugar or cane sugar ?"
Answer : "Cane sugar "

Question :" White , brown or yellow sugar ?"
Answer : "Forget about tea just give me a glass of water instead."

Question: "Mineral water or still water ? "
Answer : "Mineral water"

Question : "Flavored or non-flavored ?"

Answer : "I'll rather die of thirst !!!!!

Now where do we go from here.....

Thought for the day - Tim Stuart, Great Aviation Quotes reader

It was 1977 and we were on an old DC8 Air Ceylon coming in to Colombo, Ceylon from Bangkok.

The landing approach was pretty bumpy, but the biggest bump was saved for when we hit the tarmac - a massive shudder and shake - at least I hoped it was the runway..

We were soon however airborne again and climbing steeply when a voice with a heavy Indian accent came over the PA as follows: "I am sorry about the landing ladies and gentlemen, the pilot will now take over"

Is this for real ?